Prim, Wiley and Twix.
Over the June long weekend, two Kelpies from the Junee Shire travelled all the way down to Casterton Victoria to the 29th Australian Kelpie Muster. Our 12 year old Border Collie, Wiley, came along as a spectator and our two Australian Kelpies competed in some of the events.
Twix, 5 years old and Prim, 2 years old started the day in a group photo that had too many Kelpies too count, hen they helped open the 2025 Kelpie Muster by walking in the parade through the main street.
First competition for them was ‘best trick’. Twix did a beautiful ‘sit pretty’ that the crowd seem to love and Prim did a running leap into her dads arms for a cuddle and got a big awww from the crowd.
There was only podium finishes for this one, so unfortunately Twix just missed out, but Prim placed3 rd and won herself a little Casterton prize pack.
Next up was the 50m dash – it’s exactly what it sounds like. Dogs run one by one down a 50 metre track surrounded by the crowd. This year 93 Kelpies competed in this event. Twix placed 26th, with a time of 5.95 seconds and Prim placed 3rd, with a time of 5.13 seconds winning herself not only a beautiful green 3rd place ribbon but also some cash that she spent straight away on treats at one of the stalls.
The last competition we entered just Prim in the hill climb. Now this might sound easy – have the owner at the top of the hill and call your dog to run up to you, simple right? 95 Kelpies were entered in the hill climb this year but only 25 of them were actually able to complete it.
The run up Blueberry Hill is about 150m and is almost vertical – The owners get taken all the way around the back of the hill and up to the top in a ute to be able to call their dogs up. Prim placed 9th with a time of 40 seconds, but spent seven seconds of that time stopped half way up deciding if she could make it to the top or not.
Overall we were very proud of our dogs, especially with the weather conditions. Casterton had a much needed 51.2ml of rain over the long weekend, the most amount of rain they have had in over 12 months. Although it did prevent some people from attending this year’s Muster, there was still a lot of spectators who braved the pouring rain and dogs who managed to compete in events in the harder conditions.
The 2025 Kelpie Muster had a range of different events from Thursday to Monday. Kelpie photo competition, rotary art show, the Clarice Beckett art show, stock man’s challenge, multiple novelty events, Kelpie triathlon, Kelpie 50m dash, Kelpie high jump, Kelpie Hill climb, Australia premier working dog auction, the working dog school, sip and paint, mutton mayhem, a meet and greet with stars from Muster dogs, various stalls and so much more.
Casterton, Victoria, proudly claims the title of the “Birth-place of the Kelpie,” celebrating its unique heritage as the origin of this iconic Australian working dog breed. The town hosts the annual Australian Kelpie Muster and is home to the Australian Kelpie Centre, which showcases the breed’s history and significance to the region.
Casterton’s connection to the Kelpie began in the 1870s with the breeding of the first Kelpie, named “Kelpie”, at Warrock Homestead, north of the town. The breed’s development continued with the descendants of Kelpie and other working dogs, establishing Casterton as the foundational location for the breed. Today, Casterton’s Kelpie story is told at the Australian Kelpie Centre, a modern facility that also houses the Visitor Information Centre.
The Kelpie Muster, held each June long weekend, draws visitors from around the globe, featuring working dog demonstrations, auctions, and a celebration of all things Kelpie. The event helps to promote Casterton as a must-see destination for those interested in the breed and the rich history of the area.
-Mel Barker
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